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Shattered Halep determined to win a major

Simona Halep of Romania. (AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY
27th January, 2018
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A shattered Simona Halep says her Australian Open final loss to Caroline Wozniackl has hardened her resolve to break through at a major after three failed attempts.

The lion-hearted Romanian put up an incredible fight in Saturday night’s title decider but was unable to deny Wozniacki her first grand slam title with the Dane prevailing 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 6-4.

Hampered by an ankle issue throughout the tournament, Halep revealed she had also injured the tendons in both her feet during a gruelling fortnight at Melbourne Park.

Halep has now played in more grand slam finals without winning a title than any other active female player, having also finished runner-up at the French Open in 2014 and 2017.

But despite suffering another cruel blow – and losing her world No.1 ranking to Wozniacki – the 26-year-old was still able to put on a brave face.

“I cried (after the match) but now I’m smiling,” she said.

“Is just a tennis match in the end.

“But yeah, I’m really sad I couldn’t win it. I was close again but the gas was over in the end.

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“I’m still losing and I’m still waiting. Maybe the fourth one will be with luck.”

Halep entered the final having spent 11 hours and 30 minutes on court – 40 minutes more than Roger Federer put in on his way to Sunday night’s men’s final.

By the time Wozniacki sealed victory, Halep had added another two hours and 49 minutes to her tally.

The enormous physical effort had clearly taken its toll during the second set when a dizzy and exhausted Halep called for the tournament physio and had her pulse and blood pressure checked.

“The body was not ready because I had so many long matches … but mentally I was ready,” she said.

“I feel that I can face any challenge. I can play against anyone. I can win against anyone.

“But just sometimes is not how you want because you cannot physically do it.”

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Commentating for ESPN, tennis great Chris Evert said Halep’s coach, Australian Darren Cahill, had expressed concerns about her fitness during a hallway chat earlier that day.

“He said ‘she’s really excited … but the tank is getting lower and lower with each match’,” Evert said.

“I’m amazed at how well she’s holding up with all the matches that she’s played.”

Cahill briefly quit as Halep’s coach last year after clashing with the Romanian over her attitude.

If there was any questioning her application then, those doubts have almost certainly been banished.

“He said that he’s really proud of me, of what I’ve done this tournament,” Halep said.

“He said that I’ve been the best mentally and physically, as well, fighting until the end. So he’s happy about my performance.”

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